23: Happy

Annabeth POV

Percy and Katie both qualified for regionals in the respective gender categories. It was no surprise for Percy To make it since he made it to states last year as a sophomore.

I knew that he wanted to strive for the top five in the state and compete in nationals. He had my full support and confidence in that goal.

After all, Percy fully believed in me as well.

Without him, I couldn't imagine facing the talent show and sharing my voice with the whole city. It was one of my proudest moments, and I had Percy and Thalia to thank for that.

I was lost in thought as I made it back to my friends.

The party was loud, and the stench of alcohol was slowly permeating the atmosphere.

"Annabeth, where did you go?" Piper asked.

The music was blaring so I barely heard her. Jason also turn to me, but he had to shave a few drops away for me and Piper.

Jason was overprotective even though he did understand that Piper and I could defend ourselves. Jason and Piper made a good couple though.

"Huh? I just got a phone call, so I went to the bathroom," I responded.

"Was it Percy? I bet it was Percy," Piper cooed. She had a smirk on her face, and Jason was smiling at me while studying my reaction.

"So what if it was? Percy missed my phone call this morning, so he called me now to give me an update," I explained.

They both not it before grabbing a drink.

I immediately went forward and snatch the cups from them. I was absolutely certain that the punch bowl with spiked, and I wasn't going to let them drink it.

"Guys, smell things before you drink," I reprimanded.

Jason's face peel this paper took the drink. Just as I suspected, her face contorted at the smell of her "fruit punch." Gods, this party was getting too wild. I guess that I should've expected it. The Stolls were known to have wild parties.

"Gods, I miss Katie so much. She usually controls the twins, Piper said firmly.

"Amen to that," Jason agreed.

We continue to talk and laugh as the party went on. Jason stayed close to us to yield off drunk teenage guys. Of course, he was more looking after piper. However, I noticed that he kept an eye on me too.

It was strange, but he was making sure that I was okay too.

Well, Jason was a good friend, I felt like another reason was compelling him to look after me. After he told another guy to get lost (this guy was simply staring at me), I finally decided to ask him what was going on.

"Jason, why are being so overprotective? I mean, Piper in understand, but me?"

We had migrated to the backyard where there was more space. While it was chilly, we were fine with our sweatshirts on.

Piper also looked over at Jason.

"No reason, just looking after you cause you're my friend."

Jason was a bad liar. I simply glared at him as I cross my arms. He immediately started to shift uncomfortably in response to my gaze.

Finally, he sighed.

"Percy texted me shortly after you went to the bathroom. He's been to the Stolls' parties before, and he told me to watch you," Jason admitted.

A part of me felt happy while another, prideful part, got angry.

"Seaweed brain told you to guard me?" I asked in surprise. Piper chuckled as she listened to our conversation.

"No, err, um, he said that you mentioned a guy, and he wanted to make sure-" Jason faltered off.

Oh my God. I couldn't hold in my laughter.

"Gosh, he is such an idiot sometimes, I expressed.

"Yeah, you got that right," Piper commented. "Clearly, you were hinting about your feelings to Percy, and he thought it was someone else. Gods, the irony."

We continue to laugh as Jason relaxed. He pulled out his phone quickly, but I stopped him from texting Percy.

I mean, if it was 'incredibly hot' to make the first move, so be it.

Seaweed Brain won't know what hit him.

***

It was later that week. Ever since sharing my voice, the music teachers were very open to letting me use the music studio. I appreciated their support greatly.

It was Tuesday evening, and I was in the sound booth.

I was practicing a difficult song. However, it was a passionate song that I wanted to sing as part of my plan. It was a simple song but hopefully will get the message across to oblivious Seaweed Brain.

"Annabeth, this is a very different song for you, Leo commented.

"That's kind of the point, Leo," Thalia said slyly. I sighed as I continued to study these lyrics. Ariana Grande was one of my favorite artists, but her songs were quite difficult to sing vocally.

"I don't get it, Leo pouted as he uploaded the music into the system.

"Leo, I'm singing it for someone that makes me feel different. As such, I want the song to be different as well."

Leo smile and suddenly. I could practically see the lightbulb finally flash.

"So you're making the first move. That's smokin' jot, Leo commented.

"Shut up, Leo," I laughed.

We ended the vocal practice after a few takes. It's still needed work, but the song would be ready soon. Also, the plan wasn't that extravagant, but it was intimate regardless.

I hoped. To be honest, this romantic stuff is normally not my forte. Most people considered emotions and love to fall outside the realm of logic and rationality.

"So, where's Percy now?" Leo asked.

Leo was driving us home in the car that he repaired and modified himself. It was an old classic with modified parts, and he was quite proud of it. I had to admit, Leo was very talented, and the car was a beauty.

"He's at swim practice. Now that he's qualified for the upper-level competitions, practice is even more crucial," Thalia explained.

"I can't even imagine that kind of stress," Leo said quietly.

"Percy can handle it, and he now knows what to do when he feels overwhelmed or over-pressurized," I said firmly.

The rest of the car ride moved on to other topics.

Well, Percy was a very important part of my life, I had other components in my life as well. A boy shouldn't be the center of my life or anyone's life for that matter.

"Annabeth, welcome home, my dad greeted happily.

"Dad, what are you doing home? I thought that you'd be at the worksite during the week, I said as I hugged him.

Our relationship has been so much better ever since we talked. He was making an active effort To spend more time with his entire family. The boys and I were happy, and Helen was so much better to me and in general.

Dad was dress sharply with dress pants, a button-down shirt, and a blue tie. Honestly, he was either going to a work meeting or on a date.

"I actually have a favor to ask, and about. It's Helen's sorority reunion today, and I promised her that I'd go with her. Can you watch the boys?" Dad asked.

Call of course. Helen and you should go have a fun date night," I said with a smile.

"Thank you, honey," my dad expressed. He planted a kiss on my temple before walking back towards his bedroom. A sorority party was not something my dad would go to, but he was clearly making an effort. I really appreciated that, and Helen went too.

Besides, I had no problem hanging with the boys today.

Helen and dad looked really nice as they left the house. They look like a good couple, and I was happy that they did find each other. The boys were playing video games while I was reading in the living room. The noise didn't bother me when I got lost in a good book.

I loved reading the Harry Potter books, especially since I really connected with Hermione Granger. We are very alike in my opinion.

"Annabeth, is it true that you're getting a boyfriend?" Bobby asked.

"What?" I asked with a laugh. "Who would tell you such a thing?"

"We can't relay your sources, and about," Matthew giggled cutely. "Anyway, can you answer the question?"

"I guess so. I don't know," I murmured.

"I think that you should. Anyone would be happy to have my sister as a girlfriend," Bobby said proudly. I smiled at the boys. Gods, they were so adorable. Hopefully, they'd always be this way.

Percy called me soon after, and we ended up talking for a while. It was weird that I could talk to Percy for hours and not even feel any strain. If Matthew and Bobby were sort of in the dark before, they definitely weren't now. They were smart kids, and I knew that I wouldn't hear the end of it after I hung up the phone.

As my conversation continued with Percy, I realized a couple of things.

I was really happy right now.

I was very excited about my future as well.